Cornell Mathematics Outreach
Saturday Workshops for Teachers
Math 508 - Teaching Secondary Mathematics
406 Malott Hall
December 1, 2007
9:00-2:30
8:45-9:00 Welcome
(juice and bagels provided)
9:00-10:00 A Van
Gogh, or a Forgery? Applying
Mathematical Signal Processing
Presenter:
Rick Johnson, Cornell
Art historians
and conservation specialists collect much of the information supporting their
analyses of paintings from examination of images acquired, for example, with
visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light and x-rays. In this talk, sample
painting image analysis tasks such as canvas thread count, x-ray stitching, and
detection of the hand of the artist will be illuminated. Description of the
purpose of such image analysis by art historians and conservation specialists
will focus on the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. The mathematicization of these
tasks leads to the visualization of computer-assisted schemes using fundamental
signal processing tools (taught to sophomore electrical and computer
engineers). The resulting cross-disciplinary research and development activity
– between two fields commonly, but inappropriately, considered quite
disparate – in applying signal processing algorithms to painting analysis
is in its infancy and is poised to expand rapidly over the next decade, with a
potential for profound impact on the practice of painting examination by art
historians and conservation specialists.
10:00-12:00 How Can I Use TI's Cabri Jr Geometry Apps in Algebra Class?
Presenter:
Gene Olmstead, TI Consultant
Act I: Come see some
examples of how to make connections between Algebra and Geometry. We really can
integrate the curriculum, not only with new problems, but also enhancing old
problems in new ways. We'll
explore examples in both plane and coordinate geometry examples. Participants
need no prior experience, only a desire to learn new ways to use a calculator
to show students Algebra and Geometry are not always two separate courses.
Bring your TI-83 or TI-84 to receive the Cabri Jr. Apps.
12:00-12:30 Lunch (pizza provided)
12:30-1:30 Algebra,
Geometry, and Cabri – Act II
1:30-2:30
Why
Is Pi So Filling?
Presenter: Craig Johnson, Marywood University
We'll use
sequences of pictures to find limits that give areas. In particular, we will
use pictures to derive the expression for the convergence of a geometric series
and we will also see why the ratio of the circumference of any circle to its
diameter also magically appears in the formula for the circle's area.